Increasingly, middle-class Indian couples are opting to invest in property in Dubai rather than India to build their retirement wealth. A notable trend among Indian buyers in the UAE reveals that many couples, after years of hard work and savings, have managed to purchase two to three properties. These properties offer attractive rental yields of 6-7%, and are financed at an interest rate of just 5%. This financial model provides sustainable assets that generate income and contribute to long-term retirement planning without the burden of overwhelming debts.

In contrast, the property market in India presents a different scenario. Middle-class families in India are typically able to buy only one property, often at higher interest rates of 10%, with rental yields barely reaching 3%. The financial pressure created by high equated monthly installments (EMIs) makes property ownership in India more of a financial burden than an asset, with entire incomes often going into paying off loans.

Bengaluru-based CA and startup founder Abhishek Jamuar highlights this discrepancy in his LinkedIn post, where he points out that Dubai offers a model where the middle class can thrive by purchasing multiple properties without the stress of high EMIs and low rental returns. He emphasizes that, unlike in India, the freedom and savings potential in Dubai's property market allow for better cash flow and financial security. This contrast in financial freedom is seen as the key difference between the two markets.

Dubai’s property market enables Indian buyers to secure their financial future while still enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. By contrast, property ownership in India often limits families' financial growth and long-term savings, trapping them in long-term debt. In the end, owning property in Dubai is more about securing a worry-free future, while the model in India often results in stress and financial strain.